Gent-Wevelgem 24th March 2013

[Rousel]

Bad weather moving in for saturday night and into sunday. organizers may have to move the race to monday. i'm sure the riders won't mind the extra rest day.

http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/matchcenter/mc_wielrennen/comp_voorjaar/1.1574459

Profile: (note that this is before the reduction of 45km)

Map and list of Hellingens:

Official list of participants:
http://gw.pro.p.assets.flandersclassics.be/files/1078/original/Deelnemers.pdf?1363991919

 

[Netserk]

But for the riders that will race De Panne afterwards, there will be no rest day.

But if it is what it takes, then I don't mind moving it.

 

[serfla]

Bad weather moving in for saturday night and into sunday. organizers may have to move the race to monday. i'm sure the riders won't mind the extra rest day.

http://sporza.be/cm/sporza/matchcenter/mc_wielrennen/comp_voorjaar/1.1574459

Actually, it would be excellent for De Ronde aspirants.

 

[thirteen]

it actually has already snowed here (Gent) and seems to be melting off... my understanding is that the weather is likely to be the same tomorrow.

snow overnight and morning, with most of it melting off by race time. it will be cold but slightly above freezing during the day... and it sounds like race organisers are really determined for this to go tomorrow.

 

[Eyeballs Out]

Eurosport don't seem to have any coverage of this race which seems unusual

 

[Dazed and Confused]

it actually has already snowed here (Gent) and seems to be melting off... my understanding is that the weather is likely to be the same tomorrow.

snow overnight and morning, with most of it melting off by race time. it will be cold but slightly above freezing during the day... and it sounds like race organisers are really determined for this to go tomorrow.

Good if they go ahead. Sunday needs a big race.

 

[Gloin22]

Good if they go ahead. Sunday needs a big race.

GW is usually boring, so don't expect much.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Eurosport don't seem to have any coverage of this race which seems unusual

Sky sports 4 are showing highlights at midnight Sunday night/Monday morning. Then again Monday at 10-30am and 6pm.

 

[gerundium]

GW is usually boring, so don't expect much.

**** weather could change things slightly though. It's really damn cold at the moment. And windy too.

 

[Dazed and Confused]

GW is usually boring, so don't expect much.

blink and you miss it. Still with cobbles you never quite know.
Very few eyeballs around on a Monday.

 

[thirteen]

nice preview of the race, which also includes the weather: http://inrng.com/2013/03/gent-wevel..._campaign=Feed:+inrng/inrng0+(The+Inner+Ring)

Temperatures will range between -5°C and 3°C (23-37°F )
Overnight and early morning snow will turn to sleet and then dry out leaving cloudy skies
A 50km/h wind will blow from the east meaning an early tailwind and a powerful headwind to the finish line. But for much of the race it means a crosswind and it will only make the race harder

it really is f***ing freezing out there when you get the wind and icy cobbles are perilous!

 

[thirteen]

discusses the options available and says there will be a meeting at 15:00... in the meanwhile, the snow is coming down once again...

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/537561/ghent-wevelgem-risks-cancellation-due-to-snow.html

 

[thirteen]

so it will happen tomorrow, though they're starting in Gistel now because of the snow (doesn't bother me, though, because it never was actually starting in Gent, bah!).

they've taken out 45km out of the course and will decide about the climbs in the early morning, weather conditions permitting.

 

[Netserk]

So it will be shorter ?!

 

[jflemaire]

So it will be shorter ?!

Yes, shorter by 45 km. According to Frank Hoste, the race director, this decision has been taken to "spare the riders". Not sure what that means...

 

[ILovecycling]

so Cavendish thing,or Sagan may suprise

 

[Sciatic]

If only Farrar can stay upright he'll have a shot by getting into the front group after echelons split up the race. I know, that's a lot of "ifs"

 

[jaylew]

So, maybe a mod should add a profile, etc..., sticky this and make it the official race thread?

 

[Netserk]

So, maybe a mod should add a profile, etc..., sticky this and make it the official race thread?

Done, done and done

 

[CraZyCaLL]

Kristoff for top 3

 

[Dazed and Confused]

So it will be shorter ?!

and even worse, perhaps without any bergs.

Warm up race before the all important Scheldeprijs.

Still the race is on.

Cavendish by a bike length.

 

[wwabbit]

Guess the Sky rider that will be leading out the sprint for someone from another team

 

[the asian]

Guess the Sky rider that will be leading out the sprint for someone from another team

Bernie to lead out old mate Cavendish.

 

[LaFlorecita]

and even worse, perhaps without any bergs.

Warm up race before the all important Scheldeprijs.

Still the race is on.

Cavendish by a bike length.

What that would be horrible

 

[Bernie's eyesore]

Guess the Sky rider that will be leading out the sprint for someone from another team

Maybe Sky will just sit back and accept defeat tomorrow instead. Would make much more sense. Let's hope Bernie can win it though, it would be amazing!